This secretive bird can be found in winter in brushy, moist fields and meadows, mostly in the southern portion of the state. As a migrant in the spring and fall, it is usually found in prairies, prairie grass plantings and weedy fields. Often difficult to observe, but easier to locate in early morning or with a group of patient observers.

Foods:

Forages on the ground for insects and seeds.

Distribution in Missouri:

Potentially statewide, in appropriate habitats and seasons.

Status:

Common transient in the west, uncommon in the east; uncommon winter resident in the south, rare in the north (Glaciated Plains).

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American tree sparrows nest in willow thickets and arctic shrub along the tundra's edge in Canada and Alaska. But during the winter, tree sparrows can be found throughout Missouri, especially in our northern and western sections.

Dark-eyed juncos, or "snowbirds" as they are widely known, are sparrows. Juncos are abundant throughout Missouri during the winter. What many people are not aware of is that there are two color forms of juncos that occur here.

The fox sparrow is the largest of our sparrows. The name is derived from the bird's foxlike color. They are entertaining to watch as they rustle through the leaves and seeds under your feeders. This style of feeding may remind you of chickens, but fox sparrows kick with both feet at the same time.

Field sparrows are common nesting birds throughout Missouri, but they retreat to the southernmost counties to ride out the winter. Many American tree sparrows are misidentified as field sparrows. Look at the bird carefully; field sparrows are much smaller and lighter and lack a central breast spot.

Lincoln's sparrows are small, shy sparrows that will occasionally overwinter in west-central Missouri and the Mississippi River basin. In late fall and early spring, these sparrows are more widespread and can be seen along prairie edges and at bird feeders.

Regs and Areas

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